Kate Walton
Juicy, tender grilled chicken meets vibrant Southwest flavors in these easy-to-make wraps that are perfect for any meal. Bursting with fresh veggies, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a hint of smoky seasoning, these wraps are as delicious as they are satisfying. Whether you’re prepping lunch for the week or need a fuss-free dinner, these wraps come together quickly and deliver big flavor.
The real beauty of these Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps lies in their versatility. You can enjoy them warm or cold, customize the fillings to suit your taste, and they pack perfectly for on-the-go meals. Pair them with your favorite salsa or a creamy avocado dip for an extra flavor kick. These wraps are destined to become a regular in your rotation.
What Kind of Tortilla Should I Use?
For the best results, use large flour tortillas that are soft and pliable. They’re sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings without tearing. If you want a healthier option, whole wheat tortillas work great too. For gluten-free needs, go with certified gluten-free wraps—just make sure they’re flexible enough to roll without cracking.
Ingredients for the Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps
Grilled Chicken Breast: The star of the wrap. Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated with lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and Southwest spices for the perfect flavor foundation.
Flour Tortillas: Soft and sturdy enough to wrap up all the goodness inside.
Black Beans: Add hearty texture and earthy flavor. Rinse and drain canned beans for convenience.
Corn Kernels: Sweet and crisp, corn brings a burst of brightness. Fresh, frozen, or canned all work well.
Romaine or Mixed Greens: Adds crunch and freshness, balancing out the protein and carbs.
Tomatoes: Diced fresh tomatoes or pico de gallo for juicy, tangy contrast.
Shredded Cheese (optional): For a creamy and savory layer, cheddar or a Mexican blend is perfect.
Salsa or Avocado Spread: Acts as a flavorful sauce, tying all the elements together.
How To Make the Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by marinating your chicken breasts in a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb all those vibrant flavors. Then grill over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest before slicing into strips.
Step 2: Prep the Fillings
While the chicken is grilling, prep the other components. Rinse and drain the black beans and corn. Chop the tomatoes, shred the lettuce or greens, and get your salsa or avocado spread ready.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
To make wrapping easier and prevent breaking, warm each tortilla in a dry skillet for about 15 seconds per side. You can also microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Assemble the Wraps
Lay a warm tortilla flat and start layering: begin with the greens, then add grilled chicken strips, black beans, corn, chopped tomatoes, and cheese if using. Top it with a spoonful of salsa or spread.
Step 5: Roll and Serve
Fold in the sides and roll tightly from the bottom up to secure the wrap. Slice in half and serve immediately with extra salsa or a side salad.
How to Serve and Store These Wraps
These Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps are best served fresh and warm, right off the grill, when the flavors are boldest and the textures at their peak. They also make excellent packed lunches—just wrap them tightly in foil or parchment and store them in the fridge. For meal prepping, you can keep the fillings and tortillas separate and assemble them when ready to eat. Stored in an airtight container, the components last up to 3 days.
If you want to reheat a fully assembled wrap, pop it in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side or microwave it for about 45 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of chicken?
Grilled shrimp, steak, or roasted tofu make great alternatives if you’re looking to switch up the protein.
Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them the night before and store them in the fridge. For best texture, keep wetter ingredients like salsa on the side until ready to eat.
Are these wraps freezer-friendly?
It’s better to freeze just the grilled chicken. Fully assembled wraps with fresh veggies don’t freeze well due to texture changes.
How do I keep my wraps from getting soggy?
Use a barrier like lettuce between wet ingredients and the tortilla, and keep sauces on the lighter side.
What sauces go well with these wraps?
Salsa, chipotle mayo, creamy avocado sauce, or cilantro-lime dressing all complement the flavors perfectly.
Can I make these wraps low-carb?
Yes! Use low-carb tortillas or large lettuce leaves instead of flour tortillas.
Want More Wrap and Chicken Ideas?
If you love these Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps, you’ll probably enjoy these other mouthwatering creations:
• Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a melty, bold bite.
• Texas Roadhouse Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet brings restaurant flavor to your table.
• Sticky Honey Garlic Steak Rotini for a pasta-packed twist.
• One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne for saucy, sweet-and-savory perfection.
• Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Skillet if you’re feeling like adding a spicy seafood vibe.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner or lunch board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up with extra jalapeños or keep it cool with avocado cream? Did your kids love it?
I love hearing how others make these wraps their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s share tips and inspiration.
Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 wraps
Description
Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps are packed with bold flavors from marinated grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a burst of Southwest flair. They make a quick and satisfying meal for busy weeknights or grab-and-go lunches.
Ingredients
Grilled chicken breasts (marinated with lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika)
Large flour tortillas
Black beans, rinsed and drained
Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Romaine or mixed greens
Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend (optional)
Salsa or avocado spread
Instructions
- Marinate and Grill Chicken: Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes. Grill over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through. Slice into strips.
- Prep Fillings: Prepare beans, corn, greens, tomatoes, and cheese.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a skillet or microwave until soft.
- Assemble Wraps: Layer greens, chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, and salsa/spread.
- Roll Wraps: Fold sides in and roll tightly from bottom up. Slice and serve.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
